DNA Technologies
Biotechnology
Once scientists understood how DNA was replicated in the cell, and how gene segments on DNA were transcribed and translated to make proteins, researchers became curious as to how to manipulate the DNA of different organisms. This curiosity led to the development of genetic engineering technologies, which allow scientists to manipulate genes in order to identify and study them. DNA technologies have been used in the fields of medicine, agriculture, and research. In this interactivity, learn about genetic engineering in the developing field of biotechnology. Click the player button to begin.
View a printable version of this interactivity.
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
Biotechnology produces genetically modified organisms, or GMOs. GMOs are created when an organism’s existing genes are modified, or a transgenic organism is created. View Genetic Engineering and Pest Control from eMediaVASM to learn more about GMOs. In this short video, you will learn about the modification of potatoes, soybeans, and cotton. The video will provide both sides of the ethical arguments behind the use of genetically modified organisms.
Recombinant DNA
DNA is a large and complicated molecule. In order to scientists to manipulate the genetic structure of an organism, they must be able to isolate a single gene. Once the gene is isolated, the scientists can splice the DNA, creating recombinant DNA. Recombinant DNA can be inserted into organisms changing their genetic makeup. In this interactivity, explore how recombinant DNA is created using plasmids. Click the player button to begin.
View a printable version of the interactivity.
Transforming Bacteria
Scientists use genetic engineering techniques to create bacterial plasmids. The plasmids are then used to create recombinant DNA. View Transforming Bacteria from eMediaVASM to observe the challenges of getting the plasmids through the cell’s plasma membrane. You will also witness how scientists test for transformations using both experimental and negative control plates.
Polymerase Chain Reactions
A very helpful tool used in genetic engineering is a technique called a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This technique is used to make billions of copies of a single DNA fragment. Polymerase chain reactions are used to detect diseases and to identify the victims and suspects in criminal investigations. In this interactivity, learn how polymerase chain reactions are conducted in a laboratory setting. Click the player button to begin.
View a printable version of the interactivity.
DNA Finger Printing and Cloning
Two additional types of genetic engineering are DNA fingerprinting and cloning. DNA fingerprinting uses certain sections of DNA to identify an individual. Cloning involves making an exact replica of an organism. Cloning has positive uses, like the ability to clone vital organs and other body parts. Ethical questions arise from cloning including a decrease in genetic diversity, cloning organisms that are harmful to the environment, and the possibility of cloning humans. In this interactivity, investigate DNA fingerprinting and cloning. Click the player button to begin.
View a printable version of the interactivity.
The Human Genome Project
The technology of genetic engineering has enabled researchers to map every gene in the human genome. This was a collaborative project conducted by many scientists around the world called the Human Genome Project. The goal of the project was to identify the 30,000 to 40,000 genes in the human DNA. The goal was also to identify the nitrogen base pairs of each gene and be able to recreate and control all the genes. The project started in 1990 and ended in 2003. By knowing the information coded in the human genome, scientists can understand and develop cures for harmful diseases and traits that are expressed during a lifetime.
By understanding and knowing the genes in the human genome, scientists are able to help people with genetic diseases. Scientists can compare the DNA from normal individuals with the DNA from individuals who suffer from genetic disorders. This comparison helps to diagnose the sufferers and carriers of genetic disorders. If the genetic disorder is diagnosed, gene therapy can be used to correct the disease. Gene therapy involves inserting a normal gene and removing the disease-causing gene from the organism. The new cells containing the normal gene are injected back into the body of the organism with the genetic disease.
Diseases that have been successfully treated with gene therapy include cystic fibrosis, immune deficiency disorder, hemophilia, sickle cell anemia, and some cancers. Learn more about the Human Genome Project by visiting the National Human Genome Research Institute.
DNA Technologies Review
Now that you have learned about DNA technologies, see if you can match each term with the correct definition. In this non-graded interactivity, drag the descriptions on the right and drop them next to the terms on the left. Click the player button to get started.